Montage Palmetto Bluff oozes southern charm and hospitality and transports you to a place where time stands still, and relaxation is the only thing that matters.
After passing through the gates into the ultra-exclusive community of Palmetto Bluff, you’ll travel the quaint, winding road lined with old oaks dripping in Spanish Moss. The main building at Montage Palmetto Bluff greets you with a large porch complete with rocking chairs and smiling bellmen ready to collect your luggage and direct you to the front desk. The main building is stunning, and it is hard to believe that it was built only 3 years ago; the historical integrity of the design is that good.
Check-in is quick and seamless, and a canoe-shaped wagon is at the ready for little guests to select a stuffed animal to kick off their stay.
The Montage Palmetto Bluff has 200 rooms, including 30 stand-alone cottages nestled throughout the property. I was lucky enough to enjoy two nights in a Lagoon View Inn room, which was decorated impeccably with bright bedding and artwork, a comfy loveseat, and outfitted with all the comforts of home. The bathroom was a winner, featuring a gorgeous claw-foot tub and a steam shower complete with organic & clean-scented toiletries. The balcony was, by far, the best part of the room. With a lovely view of the lagoon, the pool, and one of the several fire pits on site, it was the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast.
The resort has no shortage of activities on site for guests; there is a bike for every guest and plenty of paved paths to pedal about. Each room can also rent a golf cart for guests who want a more expedient way to explore the expansive property and the extended neighborhood of Palmetto Bluff. Small shops line the pathways opposite the various docks where clients can fish, swim, rent a kayak, or even charter a boat with a captain for the day, which is a must! Zipping through the waterways with a seasoned low-country captain is a true Southern Carolina experience. Our captain, who goes by Boo, drove us through the many creeks that wind through the shoreline, showing us the various wildlife to appreciate in the area. Most notably, we were lucky enough to spot a mother dolphin teaching her baby how to strand, a unique method of hunting fish specific to dolphins that live along 200 miles of coastline from Charleston to Savannah.
We took a break from boating to explore the area’s diving dock, where guests are encouraged to participate in the local tradition of jumping from 30-foot docks into the warm Carolina waters. Across from the dock is an amazing adventure area guests can rent out, complete with an open-air kitchen, picnic tables, hammocks, and pathways that wind through the picturesque lowcountry.
Montage Palmetto Bluff also offers skeet shooting to its guests to test their skills. The shooting guides took us to one of the blinds and taught us the basics of gun safety, ensuring that we all understood the proper procedure for enjoying this fun and energizing pastime. Incredibly skilled shooters themselves, they were patient in their instruction and helped everyone feel secure in taking their shots. It was my first time shooting skeet, and I truly loved every moment of it. I am going so far as to proclaim it my new hobby! Guests can rent out a time slot and go through the entire circuit with a guide/instructor, or they can camp out at a blind spot that accommodates everyone in their party.
The property has 6 restaurants and 2 bars, ranging from fine dining at the Canoe Club to the classic Southern fair at Cole’s. Of course, reservations made through Ourisman Travel will include Virtuoso amenities with complimentary breakfast, which can be enjoyed at the Octagon Porch, or treat yourself to breakfast in bed and order through in-room dining!
The property also has 3 fire pits that feature a nightly s’mores bar with homemade marshmallows in flavors ranging from classic marshmallows to mocha, crème brulé, and key lime pie.
Although so many things about the Montage Palmetto Bluff make it special, the biggest takeaway is how family-friendly the property is. Kids can be seen biking along the pathways in big groups, having met each other on their own family vacations, and enjoying the freedom of running free in a safe environment. It harkens back to the days of coming home when the streetlights come on. Strangers become friends here, enjoying the southern tradition of porch sitting while their children explore the various playgrounds and tree houses that litter Palmetto Bluff. With the weather being warm year-round and a great many activities to keep everyone occupied, the Montage Palmetto Bluff is a fantastic option for a family trip. The nearest airport is located a 20-minute drive in nearby Savannah, and though it is tucked away in the countryside, it is still easily accessible.
I cannot say enough positive things about this amazing property. To learn more about my experience at the Montage Palmetto Bluff and to book your own visit to this Southern paradise, fill out our Travel Request Form or email the Team at [email protected].
